Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad Resigns

RICE LAKE, Minn. – Rice Lake Mayor Suzanne Herstad has resigned.

In a news release, Mayor Herstad’s resignation letter was quoted saying, “Serving this remarkable community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together during my time in office, and I leave hopeful in a future of unity and harmony between city staff and council.  I extend my heartfelt thanks to the City Council, staff, and most importantly, to the residents of Rice Lake for their trust, support, and shared dedication to making our city a better place. While I step down from this role, I remain committed to the well-being and future of our community.”

The release did not say why Herstad resigned.

She was first a city councilor in 2015, and became the second mayor of Rice Lake.

Herstand posted on her official mayor Facebook page with the following message:

“Effective immediately, I am stepping down as Mayor of Rice Lake.

This decision does not come lightly. However, it has become clear that I am not the right person to lead in the way that Rice Lake deserves. Our community cannot afford to remain stuck. It’s time to move forward.

I think a new mayor will be the first step in achieving this goal. I believe allowing that leadership to take shape without further division is what’s best—for the Council, for our dedicated staff, and most importantly, for our residents.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Rice Lake for trusting me to serve since 2015. I’m especially thankful to those who continued to support me and sent me back, time and time again. That trust and encouragement have meant everything.

I regret that the election results could not be honored in the way my voters had hoped. But as a leader, I have to make the choice that puts the wellbeing of our community above all else.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has truly been an honor.”